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| Harmony, Joy, and Love in the "U.S. of Aloha," along with the patriotism of the American flag, were the messages from these paraders in Volcano Village in last year's Volcano 4th of July Parade. Read Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year, below, for a look back at the festivities. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
REGISTER FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION by Thursday, July 9 at 4:30 p.m. Register or confirm mailing address at olvr.hawaii.gov, or mail in registration with postmark by the deadline. Same-day voter registration is available at Voter Service Centers in Kona and Hilo. Ballots can be expected for delivery around Tuesday, July 21, and must be postmarked by Aug. 3. Election Day for counting the votes is Saturday, Aug. 8. Those who believe their ballot will not make the deadline can take them to Nāʻālehu Police Station 24 hours a day, July 27 through Aug. 7, and on Election Day, Aug. 8, through 7 p.m. See elections.hawaii.gov.
A HAWAIʻI ISLAND WOMAN IS NAMED TO THE U.S. DEPT OF ENERGY'S Electricity Advisory Committee. Nicole Lowen represents Kona and Holualoa in the Hawaiʻi Legislature and chairs its House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee.
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| Nicole Lowen of Hawaiʻi Island is on the U.S. Dept of Energy's Electricity Advisory Committee. |
Lowen said, "As EAC members we advise DOE on current and future electric grid reliability, resilience, security, sector interdependence, and policy issues. My goal is to bring Hawaiʻi's unique perspective to the conversation, and to further our nation's commitment to renewables, resilience, and a clean energy future."
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UH FALL SEMESTER CLASSES START AUG. 24, with interim COVID-19 guidelines in place for the ten University of Hawaiʻi campuses across the state, including Kona and Hilo . UH Pres. David Lassner said, "It is a monumental task to prepare for an unprecedented semester, and I thank the teams that have come together to enable these initial guidelines, which represent a significant step forward in ensuring safe environments for our campus communities."
Each campus will develop its own operational plan, taking into consideration location, facilities, program needs, and available resources. Work on the campus plans has been underway since May, and each campus is expected to make further announcements in the coming weeks. See hawaii.edu/covid19-guidelines for more.
IN HIS JULY 4 WEEKEND MESSAGE, WEST KAʻŪ'S STATE SEN. DRU KANUHA promises that next week the Hawaiʻi Legislature will work on much-needed bills to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and asks the community to stay with recommended preventative practices:
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| Sen. Dru Kanuha asks the community to keep up wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands, and staying home when feeling sick. Image from oregon.gov |
"As this week comes to a close, after much deliberation on Oʻahu, the Hawaiʻi State Senate will enter the final week of its modified Session with over 50 House bills up for Third Reading on Monday, July 6. With measures related to COVID-19 screening and monitoring, CARES Act funds, unemployment, and public safety, in the span of only two weeks, the Legislature will provide much-needed support to critical programs and further strengthen our State's infrastructure during this difficult time.
"Looking to the mainland, the State of Hawaiʻi has done well to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Unfortunately, for the first time since early May, Hawaiʻi reported two deaths related to COVID-19 this week, proving we still have work to do. We still must pay attention to things like staying home when we feel sick and wearing a mask when in public and, especially, the little things like washing hands regularly and keeping a social distance from one another.
"In this new normal, our health and well-being will depend on our collective effort to maintain general physical precautions while finding new ways to live and create aloha. Therefore, let us continue to do better and keep improving the livelihood of ourWest Hawaiʻi community.
"My thoughts and prayers for the ʻohana who have lost a loved one during this difficult time.
"Stay safe, connected, and prepared."
"In this new normal, our health and well-being will depend on our collective effort to maintain general physical precautions while finding new ways to live and create aloha. Therefore, let us continue to do better and keep improving the livelihood of our
"My thoughts and prayers for the ʻohana who have lost a loved one during this difficult time.
"Stay safe, connected, and prepared."
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| Billy Kenoi, former Hawaiʻi County Mayor and cancer survivor, will speak at a virtual Talk Story on healthcare for serious illnesses. Photo by Julia Neal |
Register for this Zoom event before Friday, July 10 by emailing LFukushima@hawaiicarechoices.org. See hawaiicarechoices.org, call 808-969-1733, or email care@hawaiicarechoices.org for more.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
RATES PAID TO SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES IN HAWAIʻI may get some help from a measure introduced this week by Reps. Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case from Hawai‘i and Don Young from Alaska. They introduced the Equitable Payments for Nursing Facilities Act, a bipartisan bill that would authorize the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to make adjustments to payment rates for Skilled Nursing Facilities in Hawai‘i and Alaska under Medicare. The Secretary currently can do this for hospitals but does not have the flexibility to make similar adjustments for SNFs which — like hospitals — must account for cost-of-living challenges in caring for patients.
Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, along with Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan from Alaska, will introduce its identical, companion bill in the Senate.Gabbard said, "As Americans continue to live longer, many of our elderly will require long-term nursing care through skilled nursing facilities. These facilities need adequate resources to meet this need — especially in Hawai‘i, where the cost of living and providing care is so high. Nursing facilities serve some of our most vulnerable residents, and Medicare must account for the higher costs of providing this care. A one-size-fits-all payment approach that does not take into account the cost of living in states like ours and Alaska simply doesn't work. This bill overcomes a barrier in the current law and gives HHS the flexibility it needs to make these adjustments to provide support that is more closely aligned to local costs."
Case said, "For years, healthcare providers in Hawai‘i have struggled with ensuring access to and providing quality care, while having to deal with the mounting cost of doing business in an island state. In my state, there are 48 skilled nursing facilities that, while considered to be on the front lines, dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, are still having to face their own crisis with the ever-increasing costs of building maintenance, supplies, equipment, and labor. We have long recognized the dilemma health care providers face here in Hawai‘i — we should make the adjustments now so that people can continue to have the quality health care they need, especially in this era of COVID-19."
The bill is supported by the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i and the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association. Its President, Hilton Raethel, said, "This legislation is necessary to increase payment equity and provide sufficient resources for nursing facilities to continue providing high-quality care to residents in Hawai‘i. Skilled nursing facility providers continue to provide care to an increasingly vulnerable and medically complex population but struggle with rates that fail to take into account the higher costs of living and doing business in this state. We appreciate this legislation because it takes into account the need for more equitable resources in Hawai‘i to ensure access to quality care."
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has acknowledged that the costs to provide care in Hawai‘i and Alaska are significantly higher than their national counterparts and provided a cost of living adjustment to help Hawai‘i and Alaska hospitals contend with these higher costs.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has acknowledged that the costs to provide care in Hawai‘i and Alaska are significantly higher than their national counterparts and provided a cost of living adjustment to help Hawai‘i and Alaska hospitals contend with these higher costs.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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Keahole Center for Sustainability, formerly Friends of NEHLA, provides a selection of distance educational content to educators and the public. Photo from kcshi.org |
Executive Director Candee Ellsworth said, "Educating and inspiring people of all ages toward the responsible use of renewable resources for energy, aquaculture, research, STEM career opportunities and conservation is our new vision. To this end, we will share information about HOST tenants and others practicing the culturally sensitive and environmentally sound use of sunlight and seawater for a sustainable future for Hawaiʻi."
The Center for Sustainability operates out of the Technology Park's Gateway Energy Center, Hawaiʻi's first certified LEED Platinum resource-efficient building. Easily visible from Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, the center offers displays about its tenants, who have many projects aligned with sustainability. Tours begin with an introduction to the center's cooling, which is by cold deep-sea water pumped ashore by the Natural Energy Lab of Hawaiʻi Authority. In-person tours for the public and students are expected to resume in mid-July. Public tours can be booked online at kcshi.org.
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| Keahole Center for Sustainability offers education on new technologies being developed to enhance sustainability in Hawaiʻi and the world. Photo from kcshi.org |
CANCELED FOR 2020 IS POP WARNER, usually played at Nāʻālehu Ballfield. The Fall flag football season will not go on, on Hawaiʻi Island, says a statement on Facebook from Big Island Pop Warner Pres. Chad Tolentino. He wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic challenge is something "BIPW has never in its history faced... Since March we have been monitoring this very dynamic pandemic and have seen it cut deeply into every part of our community. The new normal has taken a full grip on how we conduct our everyday lives. Though challenging and sometimes emotional, our
Tolentino said the decision was not easy. A motion to commence tackle season failed by a 2-9 vote. He said there was disappointment all around, but "the safety and well being of our entire island and our people proved to be paramount.
It is our hope that 2021 will be a more prosperous year for our organization. We will use the next six months diligently preparing our return to the field of play. In the meantime, I ask that you, all our participants, families, volunteers, and fans, continue to loyally support our organization and its mission for our future. And please remember none of this happens without your aloha and faith."
It is our hope that 2021 will be a more prosperous year for our organization. We will use the next six months diligently preparing our return to the field of play. In the meantime, I ask that you, all our participants, families, volunteers, and fans, continue to loyally support our organization and its mission for our future. And please remember none of this happens without your aloha and faith."
A recent Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald article reports Pop Warner's national board left playing tackle football for 2020 "up to the individual leagues." It reports Tolentino said registration is ongoing on Maui and Kauaʻi and that Oʻahu was "struggling with numbers." Tolentino told the Tribune he is "confident the Big Island
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
STORYTIME WITH JEFF GERE – a local storyteller who's visited Kaʻū to spin his tales – will be held online, nine days. Starting July 7, running three days a week – Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays – for three weeks, each 9:30 a.m. show lasts about 40 minutes. Originally for kids in the Oʻahu Summer Fun Program, Gere partnered with University of Hawaiʻi
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| Watch a recorded storytelling from Jeff Gere at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwa16Fry4a8&feature=youtu.be. |
To attend each show, email jeffgere1031@gmail.com and csinfo@hawaii.edu, with the subject SCEP : Jeff Gere. In the body of the email, copy & paste in the programs wanted to watch from the list below. An email confirming the reservation will confirm receipt. On the day of the show, about 30 minutes before it starts at 9:30 , csinfo@hawaii.edu will email the Zoom link to the email provided.
All attendees are asked to leave microphones off so everyone can enjoy the show.
On Tuesdays, Gere will tell Little Kids Tales.On July 7, Participation Tales will include Bird with Hurt Wing - Helping the helpless brings a reward, but some have a greedy heart; followed by Big Fat Frog - Can kids swallow flies?; then more short tales, using a call & response plus gestures, making the show very active.
On July 14, Silly N' Spooky Tales include Get On The Bus! - A girl faces a barking dog; Dapper Dan my dog & dumb little brother Zipper - Hero boy helps an embarrassed boy; Under the Banyan - There's a white thing glowing! The Glove on the clothesline is moving! Delicious suspense ends in a laugh.
On July 21, Teaching Tales include stories from Aesop (Greek fables) and Jataka (Buddhist tales), with talking animals and stories to give life lessons.
On Wednesdays, Gere will tell Folktales.
On July 8, Jack & Evil Mountain Spirit – An intense story about confronting darkness bringing freedom and light; Old Rink Rank - Power comes when she says, "I will change my life."
On July 15, Fooling the Devil - A bright girl with a sharp tongue is fooled, then fools and escapes. The man helping her fools that devil again; King & Goat Head - Time moves forward, but it also has depth and width.
On July 22, Adventurous Tales include a Selkie tale, Koji the Zen painter of fish, a Persian Adventure, and Pele & Kamapuaʻa.
On July 22, Adventurous Tales include a Selkie tale, Koji the Zen painter of fish, a Persian Adventure, and Pele & Kamapuaʻa.
On Thursdays, Gere will tell Spooky Hawaiʻi Tales.
On July 9, Panui - A stone prevents a murder of Japanese/Hawaiian lovers, which leads to the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, where strange things happen at night.
On July 16, Old Mililani Graveyard - Foolish teens discover it's full of spirits; Sensative - After a show, a lady who sees spirits tells of being possessed.
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| Jeff Gere will tell nine sessions of stories virtually in July, so anyone can enjoy his performances. Photo from SPEC |
On July 23, Pele Tales - True: people meet Pele & tell Jeff – for 30 years. Pele burns a man, a woman's parents each met Pele, and Pele visits pig hunters.
Gere and UH encourage people to share sign-up information with "as many listeners as you like" and to "see as many shows as you like. Sure, see them all if you like. Yes, I want to enrich your program with stories!"
Gere and UH ask that tech questions be directed to summer aides.
All attendees will be asked to answer a host and technology questionnaire after each show: "Please respond. Your answers help with reporting and continuing grant support."
They also want to assume parents that Zoom's WEBINAR format does not allow a view of the audience. "We won't be able to see your children. It is not an issue."
Gere's bio from the announcement ays, "Mr. Jeff loves to tell stories to kids! Invite him into your program virtually this July free, thanks to UH SCEP Program. Jeff Gere has been telling stories to Summer Fun kids for 30 years – 27 as the Drama Specialist in Parks Dept. and five more years after he retired at the end of 2014. He created and ran Hawaiʻi's largest and oldest storytelling celebration for 27 years, and story TV and radio shows. He tours internationally (in pre-virus life) and organized the International Sessions for the recent National Storytelling Network Virtual Conference... and now via ZOOM. Please help us invite other story folks. Pass this note along. FUN in the FACE of Isolation is GOOD for ALL!"
Watch Gere's May 15 ZOOM show, which features Circle of Love - Deena Weinstein's personal story; Haʻena's (Kauaʻi) epic Hanna's Tale - A Hawaiian version of selkie with shark; and The Rug, at youtu.be/Uwa16Fry4a8.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
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The Food Basket provides food to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org to verify dates and times. Nāʻālehu's final ʻOhana Food Drop is Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. Go to Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, July 22, 10 a.m. until pau. Ocean View residents can go to The Food Basket's pantry at St. Jude's the last Tuesday of the month, July 28.
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are Open for Pick-Up Services Only. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.
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Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.
Avocado Growers Survey Open: Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names will be kept anonymous. Results will be shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.
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Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming from two free modules of a virtual training program. Accessible online, additional modules will be added. The course is presented by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo .
Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book an appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.
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Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano ArtCenter Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Ocean View Swap Meet is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced.
A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.
Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.
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Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School teaches with an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture. The blended curriculum is offered through online instruction and community-based projects, with opportunities for face-to-face gatherings (with precautions), in an "Education with Aloha" environment.
See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange (not pictured) is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map |
TWENTY-FOUR NEW COVID-19 CASES IN HAWAIʻI are reported today. Two of those cases is on Hawaiʻi Island. There are five active cases on-island, reports Department of Health, and one of the patients is hospitalized. The other active patients are being monitored by DOH. All cases are travel-related, says a statement from DOH.
Oʻahu reported 19 new cases today, Kauaʻi two, and Maui County
Hawaiʻi Island recorded its five active cases over the last two weeks. All other 88 confirmed COVID-19 victims on Hawaiʻi Island recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here. There were two other hospitalizations on-island; those patients have been released.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 720 cases, Kauaʻi 40, and Maui County 128. Eighteen victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 999 people were confirmed positive for the virus. Nineteen people died.
The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "The majority of states in our country continue to see an increase of large numbers of people being infected by the Coronavirus. Know how good Hawaiʻi is and the importance it is of everyone to follow the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, gatherings, and cleanliness on this Fourth of July weekend. As you enjoy the get togethers do take extra care in protecting yourself, your family, your friends, and your community to keep Hawaiʻi safe. Thank you for listening and a Happy Fourth of July to you. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
In the United States , more than 2,839,542 cases have been confirmed – an increase of about 46,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 129,676.
The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 11.27 million. The death toll is more than 530,898.
The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 11.27 million. The death toll is more than 530,898.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Uncle Sam strolled through Volcano Village, with Lady Liberty holding her torch, during last year's 4th of July parade in Volcano Village. Photo by Yvette Slack |
Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
This time last year, Volcano's 4th of July parade drew people from many walks of life, community interests, and avocations, including Grand Marshal Tina Neal, Chief Scientist of Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. Though parades were canceled for this year, see photos of festivities held in honor of Independence Day in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.
Representatives of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers showed up with a banner showing nēnē flying over an erupting Kīlauea , dressed in their ranger uniforms and added festive accessories, or as endangered Hawaiian Mamaki butterflies or Hawaiian hoary bats. The Park's non-profit partner, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, which runs the bookstores at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, walked with a banner and flags.
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| Rotary Club of Volcano represents during the parade, then provides food for all afterward. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
Paniolo from Kaʻū hauled horses from Mauna Loa to Kīīlauea Volcano to participate in the parade. Na Paniola O Kaʻū represented the ranching life of the district. It was the first time in recent history that paniola on horseback entered the event. The ladies represented numerous cattle and horse operations in Kaʻū, just days before the rodeo in Nāʻālehu – see tomorrow's Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year. Those who rode are Lori Lee Lorenzo, Kehau Ke, Kamalani Kahaulua Stacy, Denicia Derasin, Merle Becker, Kehaulani Ke, Elaine Togami, Kricia Derasin, and Mckella Akana.
Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2019, Helena Nihipali Sesson, and her court, including Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee Cristina Kawewehi, Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Kysha Manini Kaupu, Miss Peaberry Liliana Marques, first Peaberry Princess Kendall Haddock, and second Miss Peaberry Princess Helen Miranda, rode the length of the route in style, covering up with umbrellas or laughing in the drizzle during the parade.
Grand Marshal of the Volcano Parade and HVO Chief Scientist Tina Neal rode in a silver convertible, draped in a flag. Volcano firefighters held onto their rig in the rain. The cast and crew of KDEN's 2019 summer musical, Flower Drum Song, walked to spread the word. Hawaiʻi County Marching Band played all along the route. Science Camps of America usually stays in Kaʻū in July and walks the parade each year it's held. Rotary Club of Volcano rolled through the parade and sponsored food after the event. Also represented in the parade through Volcano Village Volcano School
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| Grand Marshal of the Volcano Parade and Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory Chief Scientist Tina Neal, left, rode a silver convertible, draped in flag. Photo by Leilani Esperanza |
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Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com. |
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
EVENTS
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Facebook Watch Party for the documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a. At noon on Wednesday, July 8, grab lunch and join the virtual gathering for a free screening of the Emmy-award winning 28-minute documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a. This 2018 film explains the significance of the ‘ōhi‘a tree to the people of Hawai‘i and environment, and the threat that the new disease called "Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death" poses to these values. Park ecologist David Benitez, park botanist Sierra McDaniel, and filmmaker Annie Sullivan will answer questions in real time in the comments. The documentary was filmed partially in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ![]()
Many areas in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that provide outdoor experiences like hiking trails, overlooks, and roads, are now open to the public, but services are limited. Visit the Current Conditions page on the park website for a complete list of what's open, and how to prepare for a safe trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at nps.gov.
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Apply for Small Grants to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, urges The Kohala Center. Deadline to submit a letter of interest is Friday, July 10. Visit the program website or refer to this fact sheet for more information.
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Strategies to Jump-Start Your Writing by Jacquolyn McMurray and Kristin Wolfgang, a virtual workshop via Zoom, will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon . "How long has writing been on your bucket list? Are you ready to make 2020 the year you finally get started or restarted? This class is perfect for all writers seeking new inspiration and strategies." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Exhibition Mixed Flock: Prints by Margaret Barnaby and Pottery by Emily Herb has been held over through Aug. 8. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours,9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition features two prominent female artists from Volcano Village
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Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation. Key strategies include e-connectivity for rural America , developing rural economies, harnessing technological innovation, supporting a rural workforce, and improving quality of life.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Virtual Cultural Festival runs from July 5 through July 11 on social media. Hawaiian culture will be shared with a wide audience free of charge. Instead of gathering the community and visitors together in person, the Park will share short videos and other mana‘o (knowledge) about Hawaiian culture virtually. #FindYourVirtualPark" Go to facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps/.
All virtual events will be posted at the listed time, but the content will be available any time afterwards:
Opening ‘Oli Komo will kick off the festival on Sunday, July 5 at 8:08 a.m. Park staff and ‘ohana will blow the pū (conch shell) and chant the ‘Oli Komo together, requesting permission to begin the Virtual Cultural Festival. The ‘Oli Komo, which expresses the intent to learn and do good, was gifted to the park by Kepā Maly. Ranger Kekoa Rosehill narrates.
Mo‘olelo & Places. On Monday, July 6 at 8:08 a.m. and 4 p.m. , learn the mo‘olelo (stories) of Pele the volcano goddess, Kamapua‘a the pig demigod, and others, on the Park's new Moʻolelo web page which debuts that morning. That afternoon, the Park will launch the new Places page, which shares mana‘o (knowledge) about the wahi pana (sacred places) protected within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Jaggar Museum
Learn to Make a Tī Leaf Lei on Tuesday, July 7 at 8:08 a.m. , with Ranger Leilani Rodrigues of the Kahuku Unit. Learn how to select tī leaves, prepare them for lei making, and how to twist them into a beautiful and easy-to-make garland.
Hawaiian Lua (Martial Arts) with Ranger Michael Newman and Olivia Crabtree on Thursday, July 9 at 8:08 a.m. Bone-breaking maneuvers and war clubs encircled with tiger-shark teeth are probably not the first things to come to mind when one pictures the Hawaiian Islands . The Hawaiian fighting style of lua is a formidable art form that requires skill, specific movement, and a host of deadly weapons. The rangers demonstrate this traditional fighting style.
Learn to Make a Pūlumi Nī‘au (Hawaiian Broom) with Ranger Dean Gallagher on Friday, July 10 at 8:08 a.m. Get swept up in gathering plant materials and learn to make a pūlumi nī‘au, or authentic Hawaiian broom.
Closing ‘Oli Mahalo will close the Virtual Cultural Festival on Saturday, July 11 at 8:08 a.m. Park staff and ‘ohana will blow the pū (conch shell) and chant the ‘Oli Mahalo together, requesting departure to close the festival. Gifted to the park by Kepā Maly, the ‘Oli Mahalo expresses gratitude. Ranger Kekoa Rosehill narrates.
Many areas in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that provide outdoor experiences like hiking trails, overlooks, and roads, are now open to the public, but services are limited. Visit the Current Conditions page on the park website for a complete list of what's open, and how to prepare for a safe trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at nps.gov.Free Virtual Storytime Sessions with Jeff Gere, Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday for three weeks, 9:30 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., starting July 7. Partnered with UH-Mānoa's Outreach College 9:30 a.m. , csinfo@hawaii.edu will email the Zoom link to the email provided.
Tuesdays: Little Kids Tales. July 7, Participation Tales. July 14, Silly N' Spooky Tales. July 21, Teaching Tales. Wednesdays: Folktales. July 8, Jack & Evil Mountain
During performances, leave microphones off so everyone can enjoy the show. Share sign-up information with "as many listeners as you like" and watch "as many shows as you like." Tech questions should be directed to summer aides. All attendees will be asked to answer a host and technology questionnaire after each show. Zoom's WEBINAR format does not allow a view of the audience. "We won't be able to see your children. It is not an issue."
Talk Story on Living with Serious Illness, Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Virtual event, hosted by Hawaiʻi Care Choices, will feature personal insights on "why accessing healthcare early can boost the quality of life" from former Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Rodney Powell, a licensed clinical social worker and service coordination manager with Hawaiian Helathcare. Host Lani Weigert, Community Manager of Hawaiʻi Care Choices will share how to get help, relief, and support for serious illness through Kupu Palliative Care, Hospice, and Bereavement Care. Register for this Zoom event before Friday, July 10 by emailing LFukushima@hawaiicarechoices.org. See hawaiicarechoices.org, call 808-969-1733, or email care@hawaiicarechoices.org for more.
After-School All-Stars Free Virtual Summer Program runs through Friday, July 17 - register before July 10. For students going into 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Classes offered are cooking, baking, fitness, arts & crafts, sports, gardening, and more. Every activity earns one entry in a prize drawing. All materials provided; pick up on Monday mornings, 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., in Volcano, Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, or Ocean View. Register at tinyurl.com/KauSummer2020. For more info, contact Chrysa Dacalio, kau@asashawaii.org, 808-561-3710.
Zentangle with Lydia 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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Free ZOOM Talk on Finding Solutions, Growing Peace, noon to 1 p.m. , Thursday, July 16. Non-profit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center
Virtual 80th Meeting of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Tuesday, July 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. The council will introduce new and returning members; have presentations on advisory council guidelines, sanctuary updates, and discussions on potential council action topics; and address questions from members and the public. Public comment begins about 10:30 a.m. To provide comment, sign up in advance, email cindy.among-serrao@noaa.gov or type a comment into the Question box. Register in advance at attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5189333551313546256. Learn more on Facebook; Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov; NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, sanctuaries.noaa.gov; State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources, dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar.
Bid on a Cottage with a covered lanai through a closed auction by Habitat for Humanity through July 15 at 5 p.m. The 780 square foot cottage was dismantled and donated to Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island. Starting bid is $15,000 and it will be sold "as is" and with no warranty. Stored in a container in Waimea, it includes lanai, exterior walls, subfloor, windows (missing one), front door, roofing, front stairs, and conceptual plans created by Habitat. To place a bid, send an email to info@habitathawaiiisland.org with name, phone number, and bid amount. Bids accepted in increments of $500. Winner will be contacted July 16. In the case of a tie, the person that submitted the winning bid first will be the winner. To view the dismantled cottage, visit the Waimea ReStore at 65-1259 Kawaihae Road on Wednesday, July 8 between 1 p.m and 4 p.m. Email info@habitathawaiiisland.org with questions.
Bid on a Cottage with a covered lanai through a closed auction by Habitat for Humanity through July 15 at 5 p.m. The 780 square foot cottage was dismantled and donated to Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island. Starting bid is $15,000 and it will be sold "as is" and with no warranty. Stored in a container in Waimea, it includes lanai, exterior walls, subfloor, windows (missing one), front door, roofing, front stairs, and conceptual plans created by Habitat. To place a bid, send an email to info@habitathawaiiisland.org with name, phone number, and bid amount. Bids accepted in increments of $500. Winner will be contacted July 16. In the case of a tie, the person that submitted the winning bid first will be the winner. To view the dismantled cottage, visit the Waimea ReStore at 65-1259 Kawaihae Road on Wednesday, July 8 between 1 p.m and 4 p.m. Email info@habitathawaiiisland.org with questions.
Grow Food From Wood: Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, separate workshops on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village
Exhibition Mixed Flock: Prints by Margaret Barnaby and Pottery by Emily Herb has been held over through Aug. 8. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours,
Apply for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Groups develop business and strategic plans in rural areas through USDA Rural Development through 6 p.m. HST on Aug. 10 at grants.gov. Eligible applicants include cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers. USDA defines a socially disadvantaged group as one "whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities."
ONGOING
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.
On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.
Avocado Growers Survey Open: Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names will be kept anonymous. Results will be shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center
Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden
Ocean View Swap Meet is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are
A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.
Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.
Kua O Ka Lā offers a specialized program that provides students with core curriculum, content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right and balanced path.
The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
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